Test: Wider rims - wide tires, that's the trend of our time, even at Stans No Tubes this runs through the concept of the new MK3 series, which has gained a lot in width. The predecessor of the MK3 is the ZTR FlOW EX rim with 25,5, 29mm wide, the new star in the enduro rim sky has increased to 2,35mm internal width and thus accommodates tires from 2,8 inches to a maximum of XNUMX inches. And the NEO hubs of Stan's wheelset are also up to date.
The Stan's NoTubes ZTR Flow MK3 wheels in brief
- Rim width now 29mm
- Stiffer construction
- NEO hubs with 36 locking points
- Available in 27,5″ and 29″
- Weight: 1.807g (27,5″)
We tested the ZTR Flow MK3 on the trails of the Bavarian Forest, which has some nasty stone fields and root carpets in store and has already made one or the other rim sweat in the past. Before you can start testing, you first have to put the tires on the rims. We have assembled two sets from different manufacturers in order to exclude any unfavorable tolerance pairings. In general, it is noticeable that it takes a little more effort to maneuver the tires over the rim flange, but the tires then sit rock-solid afterwards.
BST is the name of the patented technology in which the design of the rim flange is based on the shape of the tire bead. This is to ensure that the tire sits as firmly and securely as possible and thus best tubeless compatibility. Of course, the rim can also be used in the classic way with a tube. Speaking of tubeless: The corresponding rim tape is pre-assembled in an exemplary manner and the tires were mounted without any problems with a normal floor pump. It doesn't get any better than this and the compressor can safely stay in the garage or in the basement.
Now we've already said a few words about the rims, but the wheels also include the new Stan's Neo hubs. Compared to the predecessors, larger bearings have now been installed for better durability and a freewheel with 36 locking points. The hub body itself has also been redesigned and is now stiffer and better protects the bearings from moisture and dirt. The wheels are available with different freewheel bodies, Shimano 8/9/10/11-speed, SRAM 8/9/10-speed and SRAM XD 11/12-speed can be mounted. Axle dimensions are available in a wide range of dimensions and are also compatible with exotic forks or rear structures: Cannondale Lefty SL, Lefty Supermax, SRAM Predictive steering, 20mm thru axle, Superboost Plus - no problem at all. By default, the hubs come either as a boost version or as a classic variant. The latter can be adapted to a 15 or 12mm thru axle or quick release at the front, at the rear it can be accommodated in a 142mm frame or can also be converted to a classic quick release - even 12mm axles for 135mm can be installed.
As described above, the test area has a number of rim killers ready - we were all the more excited to see how the wheels and especially the rims will perform. We really didn't spare them during the test phase, because after all, this is about a wheelset that was developed for Grobe. Many a time, the stone has given the rim a rough high five, making the sound that any of you are probably familiar with. To be honest, we were surprised that the rims survived this ordeal without any major dents - after all, despite the larger inner width, they are even lighter than their direct predecessors. But this shows once again that development does not stand still.
The trend to make the rims wider is definitely justified because the possibility of driving larger tires, which have a plus in self-damping, results in greater comfort and more grip. In addition, the tires sit better and more securely on the rim, especially in fast cornering. We drove a direct comparison to a 3 mm narrower rim: You quickly notice that the tire has a much harder time buckling on the wider rim in high-speed corners. Due to the firm seat on the rim, the tire always remains in the best traction area and thus plays out the best possible performance. The new Neo hubs did their job inconspicuously and reliably. The 36 locking points and the noticeably smaller release angle of 10° compared to its predecessor help in technical passages in particular.
